Mini musicians show they are top of the class at concert

More than 500 talented youngsters showcased the joy of learning to sing or play a musical instrument at a spectacular concert at Sheffield City Hall.

The youngsters from infant, junior, secondary and special schools across the city joined forces for the Sheffield Music Hub Celebration Concert at the weekend.

The family-friendly event presented a wide range of music collaborations, including a 130 strong choir, a rock band and the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra.

The event attracted around 1,000 people and was organised by the Sheffield Music Hub, which is made up of music organisations, schools, teachers and parents who work together to provide the best opportunities to learn, sing and play an instrument, join a band or orchestra.

Councillor Denise Fox, Cabinet Advisor for Children, Young People and Families at Sheffield City Council, said: “The Music Hub concert was another fantastic opportunity for school children, orchestras, music clubs and individual singers to really express themselves and showcase their talents.

“Britain hosts a thriving music industry and Sheffield in particular is known for its musical heritage and innovation. I’m really pleased that Sheffield’s next generation of musicians and singers have this platform to perform, not only to their peers but to the city as a whole. It was another spectacular show.

“It was great to see the families and classmates of everyone performing there to cheer them along – it was a great atmosphere. I hope it really inspired more children and young people to pick up an instrument or a microphone in future.”

The Music Hub Celebration Concert began with a performance of ‘Night on a Bare Mountain’ by pupils from Bents Green Special School, Talbot Specialist School and Seven Hills School.

Amy Chang and Elliott Bailey from the Sheffield Music Academy performed ‘The Swan’ from the Carnival of the Animals by Charles-Camille Saint-Saens.

Year 2 students from Hunters Bar Infant School, Prince Edward Primary, Springfield Primary and Sheffield High School performed ‘I Don’t Wanna Sing Today.’

The finale of the show included a song called ‘Space to Dream’ by the Site Choir and pupils from Seven Hills School.

Sheffield Music Hub Board member and Faculty Lead for Creative Arts at Bents Green Special School, Judith Ennis, said: “The musicians at Bents Green are a testament to the powerful influence that music holds in all of our lives. Given the right opportunities and experiences; motivation, determination and a desire to make music together transcends any ability or disability. After all there’s no need for ‘words’ when you’re drumming or performing – music ultimately speaks for itself.

“We have been rehearsing our piece since November and couldn’t wait to perform to the audience at the City Hall. We’ve had an amazing musical journey, made new friends along the way, and had lots of fun! I hope that we will inspire more youngsters to learn a musical instrument, join a band, choir or sing, as they could be the stars of next year’s show.”